Female Quick Connector With Magnetic Locking for Compact Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick connectors for fluid connections, such as those used in temperature control systems, face challenges in design complexity, industrialization costs, and size issues due to mechanical locking mechanisms, which complicate production and increase dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A female quick connector element with magnetically attracted locking members and a plunger system that secures coupling through magnetic interaction, allowing for a simple, space-saving design without additional mechanical devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical locking mechanisms with additional devices are used, then reliable locking is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based locking system. The male element contains magnetic elements that generate a magnetic field to attract and lock the female element, eliminating the need for intricate mechanical linkages, springs, and actuating mechanisms while maintaining reliable locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of locking from mechanical force transmission to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic attraction force as the locking mechanism, the system achieves reliable locking with simpler components and reduced mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If mechanical locking mechanisms with additional devices are used, then secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical locking components with magnetic elements that can be integrated into the existing structural components. This reduces the number of separate parts requiring manufacturing and assembly, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the locking function with the existing structural elements of the connector. Magnetic elements are integrated into the male and female components themselves, merging the locking mechanism with the connection structure, which simplifies manufacturing and reduces overall component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If mechanical locking mechanisms with additional devices are used, then reliable locking is achieved, but radial size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidradial size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky mechanical locking components with compact magnetic elements. Magnetic fields can exert locking force without requiring the physical space needed for mechanical linkages, springs, and actuating mechanisms, thereby reducing the radial dimension of the connector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic locking mechanism allows for thinner wall designs and more compact structures since magnetic fields can penetrate and act across small distances, eliminating the need for thick mechanical components required for traditional locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a secure, easy-to-produce, and space-efficient connection mechanism that ensures reliable coupling and uncoupling of pressurized fluid pipes without additional mechanical complexity.

Implementation Method 1

each locking member and the plunger are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other, and the plunger is able to magnetically drive each locking member toward its proximal position when the plunger is displaced toward its rear position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12546422B2Female element of a quick connector, and associated quick connector

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 STAUBLI FAVERGES SA

AI summary

This female element of a quick connector is intended to be coupled with a complementary male element and comprises a female body defining an insertion channel receiving the male element, the locking members, which are received in housings arranged in the female body, a plunger, which is movable along a central axis of the female element and pushes each locking member toward a distal position where this locking member projects into the insertion channel, and an operating ring, which surrounds the female body and is configured to drive the plunger. For simpler, more compact construction, each locking member and the plunger are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other, while the plunger is able to magnetically drive each locking member to its proximal position when the plunger is displaced to its back position.